My Life in a Playlist

Day 23: Jackson Browne - Running on Empty

There was a time in my life, almost all of the first three decades of it, I moved all the time. I think before I graduated college, the longest I'd stayed anywhere was my high school years and a couple afterward in Philly. I'm not sure if that's what set the tone for the next few years in my life, but this is the song that might make you understand it a little.





Now, I'm aware I wasn't touring with a rock band, but I covered about three-quarters of the United States in this particular time frame. By the time I was done, I'd been to 47 out of 50 of them. I'm up to 49 now, so watch out North Dakota, I'm going to get you one day!

The line, "You know I don't even know what I'm hoping to find" makes a very honest statement. I thought I knew, but looking back, it wasn't true. I'm adding this song, the next on the album, to kind of reinforce what those years were like.





Again, so much of the lyrics fall into being a rock star on the road. For the most part, it isn't applicable. We didn't do cocaine in the afternoon -- for the most part -- due to low funds. But these words have serious meaning to me.

And when you stop to let 'em know, you've got it down
It's just another town along the road

It seemed like just when it was time to put down roots, we moved on. At first it was just me, but I got married, and then an extended family seemed to always be with us. Don't discount the fact I had a serious travelin' bone, but many times it just seemed like it was time to go. I was always up for an adventure!